As they say in showbiz, avoid working with children and animals (and possible granny). Undoubtedly, this arose from too many fouled up family photos. Cat-clawing, doggy distractedness and general awkwardness aside, four-legged friends can also push a holiday card from cute to memorable.

I mean, those photos will be hard to forget once they end up in Awkward Family Photos’ books, calendars and app.

For the pet with a rock ‘n’ roll edge, Bret Michaels’ Pets Rock line has all the canine attire one may need this holiday season. Overlooking his many wrongdoings on VH1’s “Rock of Love” one, two and three, Michaels has several costume options that will jazz up any holiday tableau. For less than $10 at Pet Smart, 4715 New Centre Drive, there are a variety of styles from a Santa tutu to a holiday hoodie with flames.

Though they’d likely become chew toys for my destructive canines, Michaels’ pet line also includes holiday accessories. Santa sporting sunglasses and plenty of attitude is emblazoned on no-slip socks. If the thought of pet socks conjures images of chewed up threads strewn from one end of your house to another, perhaps a neckerchief is in order. Nothing creates that Norman Rockwell moment like a pup sporting a Merry Rockin’ Christmas bandana.

If your dog is more wholesome and would never dream of sauntering on to the “Rock of Love” bus, then check out Top Paw’s PetHoliday collection. Many of the pieces are “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” themed. Styles range from T-shirts to sweaters to bandanas. Prices are from about $4 to nearly $20.

If your furry friend is above the obvious holiday attire and is more of a refined gent, Petco, 324 S. College Road, has the answer.

Several festive collars are on sale for $7.19. For the formal holiday affair you’re undoubtedly planning, pick up the red bow-tie collar. Not to be outdone, cat owners can snag a black and white coat with tails for $7.99.

But, alas, if you need a reindeer or pint-sized, four-legged Santa Claus to really pull together that family photo, Petco has plenty of harnesses with festive character details.

Other big retailers like Wal-Mart and Target also carry a few pet fashions. However, be sure to thoroughly check out Target’s sale bins for feline frugal finds and doggy designer deals. Several types of pet sweaters are on sale for $3.

Do you dress up your pets or have a pet horror story? Share them below!

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News and views about Wilmington-area business, commerce and consumer issues from a team of seasoned StarNews journalists. Wayne Faulkner, Gareth McGrath, Cammie Bellamy and others will bring you the latest on everything from real estate to health care to tourism and how it might affect your wallet.